In recent years, ayahuasca retreats have transformed from an obscure cultural phenomenon into something of a trend, with the psychedelically curious traveling as far as Peru and Costa Rica to trip on this powerful brewed drink. But ingesting a substance that causes hallucinations and vomiting, among other effects, can be frightening even under the best of circumstances. Under less-than-ideal circumstances, it’s downright dangerous.
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Having gone on 12 ayahuasca retreats in my lifetime, I’ve witnessed my fair share of ceremonies, from the spiritually-enriching to the shitshows. I’ve seen shamans take too much ayahuasca themselves and go on yelling tirades, and others rugby tackle people trying to run out of the ceremony space and into the woods.In short, retreats can go very wrong if the right person isn’t guiding everyone as they spelunk into the dark caverns of their minds. But it’s not all on the leaders: you can also sabotage your own experience by neglecting to prepare for or be mindful about what’s taking place.So, how can you avoid these situations and have a positive experience? Here is our definitive guide to going on an ayahuasca retreat.Ayahuasca is a brownish-colored tea usually made from the leaves of one plant (Psychotria viridis) and the vines of another (Banisteriopsis caapi). The leaves contain the psychedelic drug DMT and the vines contain MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Our gut ordinarily deactivates DMT before it is absorbed into our bloodstream, but the MAOIs in the vine inhibit your gut from functioning normally and allow the psychedelics to be absorbed. The effects, which usually begin around 30 minutes after consumption, include profound insights and visual hallucinations, as well as nausea, vomiting, and the general feeling that your entire body is being purged. In the Quechua language, the word ayahuasca roughly translates to “vine of the soul”.Ayahuasca has been consumed for thousands of years by indigenous groups from South America as part of their spiritual ceremonies. As it has spread to other parts of the world, people have adapted it to different formats incorporating those traditions to varying degrees. I’ve been to ceremonies in the Mexican jungle where the shaman sang icaros (old Amazonian songs), as well as one led by a spiritual life coach in the Netherlands who played us Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.” In short, you don’t always need to go to South America to have a good experience.
What is ayahuasca?
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What happens on an ayahuasca retreat?
How to pick the right retreat
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That said, even your best friends can lead you into shitshow ceremonies, so you need to do your own research as well. Your early interactions with the center will tell you a lot: Do they ask you about your motivations, your mental health, and your medical history before allowing you to sign up? You can also ask them to put you in touch with past participants. A definite green flag to look out for is ceremonies led by indigenous people, said Jesus Dagua, president of the Sacha Wasi tribal community in Ecuador. “Find a person who is actually from a tribe where the plant is born,” he said.Many people believe in setting an intention prior to a psychedelic trip; something you’d like to learn or explore. Then, if you start to get lost, you can bring your mind back to your intention. A good intention is emotion-focused: You might ask the ayahuasca, for instance, “Teach me about love and how to experience more love in my life,” said psychotherapist and ayahuasca guide Jenna Fletcher. My own intentions have included developing a healthier relationship with anger, and overcoming fears around money.Before participating in a ceremony, some like to follow an “ayahuasca diet,” which involves avoiding foods such as pork and dairy, as well as alcohol and drugs. In indigenous cultures, this is done to “connect with Grandmother Ayahuasca,” which is the spirit of the ayahuasca plant, said Dagua.Some parts of this diet are an absolute must. James Giordano, professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center, explained that it’s dangerous to take SSRI or MAOI antidepressants, or recreational drugs like cocaine, MDMA, or opiates, soon before ingesting ayahuasca. It’s also wise to avoid foods high in the amino acid tyramine, such as cured meats and aged cheeses. Your average ham and cheese sandwich may seem innocuous, but tyramine combined with ayahuasca can really raise your blood pressure. Other restrictions will vary based on the center you’re going to; good and competent organizers should be able to tell you what’s okay and what isn’t.
How to set an intention
What to eat beforehand
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How to deal with the inevitable fear
How long does ayahuasca last – and what does it feel like?
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